ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Wildlife managers say Minnesota’s wolf population is holding steady at roughly 2,200 animals.

The Department of Natural Resources says its latest population surveys show no significant change in Minnesota’s wolf population during the past three winters. Although the new estimate of 2,221 wolves is lower than the previous winter’s 2,423, the DNR says the difference is not statistically significant.

The population survey is conducted in mid-winter near the low point of the annual wolf population cycle. The population typically doubles when pups are born each spring, though many pups don’t survive.

Minnesota’s wolf population remains above the state’s minimum target of at least 1,600 and above the federal goal of 1,251 to 1,400.

A federal judge put the region’s wolves back on the endangered list last December, banning hunting them.